Rajah-News-December-20

CONCERT BAND
PRESIDENT
RETIRES
By Bryan Snyder
Joe D. McCarthy joined the concert band in 1995 and, after a
quarter century of service to our organization, has now retired. Joe
was given many opportunities to perform with the band and would
often steal the show with his comedic style on the cymbals and
boom-bas. Joe served as Band President for over 22 years and during
his tenure provided the band with progressive ways to provide the
band members with incentives for their service to the band.
Joe led the unit by managing and selling the Pop’s Concert
Program Book and the Annual Lottery Calendar Fund Raiser. Joe
was always introduced as the driving force of the band. True, he was
the Engineer of Transportation and did drive the pick-up truck to pull
the band float for parades. There were no potholes or curbs that he could not overcome. The guys on the float would attest to that.
Joe served as an ambassador for the 100 Million Dollar Club. He promoted that every member of the concert band would
become a member of the 100 Million Dollar Club and did often sell memberships to the general public too. In May, you would
always see Joe at the Redner Mini-Market promoting Shriners Hospitals for Children during the paper crusade. Joe was our band
liaison and attended many Rajah Shrine Unit meetings and programs.
In addition to time serving for the Rajah Shriners, he also served as President of the Mid-Atlantic Band Association of North
America representing all bands from Canada, United States, Mexico and Panama. Joe was the master-of-ceremony for many years
at the MASBA Festival of Music. Joe is Treasurer Emeritus of Williamson Lodge No. 307 and has been a member of the Scottish
Rite Valley of Reading since 1961. Joe was in the military and retired after 28 years of combined service in various branches of the
service. The list is too long to mention.
I must end this article with a big “Thank You” to Joe for all his years of service and all his brotherly love given to all. I know
his heart is for the band and the children that are cared for by the Philadelphia Shriners Hospitals for Children. Best wishes Joe.
Jere Lesher,
PP
list. This far in advance, things usually
change a bit. The trip is restricted to
adults only. Everyone who ever attended
this event thought it was great.
LEGION OF HONOR
Not a whole lot has changed since our last article. Pandemic-wise, it’s still one step forward, then
half a step (or more) back. Hang in there and keep your fingers crossed.
Our Commander's Night on October 13 went well. There were 13 Past Commander's present. A big
thank you to our Ladies who prepared and served the meal. Our Legion Christmas Party is scheduled for
Dec. 20. Hopefully, nothing fouls that up. By the time you read this article, we will have had a planning
meeting and info mailed out.
Here’s another reminder for that trip we have planned to the International Tattoo in Norfolk,
Virginia. It is scheduled for April 16 & 17, 2021. Reservation limit is 47 people. As of Nov. 10, we have
44. If you are
interested and
we get filled up,
put your name
on our waiting
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